The Engagement - Regency Brides 02

by Kimberley Comeaux

  "Cheer up, Pierce. In two days' time, Nicholas and Christina will bring Ty back with them from my wedding, since they'll be watching him while him on my wedding trip."

  This cheered the older man up immensely. Thomas was still smiling about it when he walked into the library and found his brother at his desk reading something. Christina was in the room also, holding some sort of bird.

  "Thomas! What a surprise!" Christina greeted him, though she remained seated. "What brings you to Kenswick?"

  Thomas's eyes remained on the object squirming around in her arms. "Is that a chicken?" he asked, unbelieving.

  "Don't look so shocked, Thorn," his brother commented drolly before Christina could answer. "Last week it was a rabbit and the week before a goat that ate half the drapes in the dining room."

  "Oh, it did not!" Christina cried defensively. "It only nibbled on the fringe."

  "I stand corrected!" Nicholas said with a grin as he stood up and walked to his brother. "Welcome to the Kenswick Animal Menagerie!" He threw his hands wide. "You never said why you are here. Don't you have a wedding to get ready for?"

  Thomas hugged his brother and tried to kiss Christina on the cheek, but when the chicken tried to peck him, he blew her a kiss, instead.

  "To tell you the truth, I came because I am a little weary, I suppose." He and Nicholas sat down in chairs across from one another, and he went on to explain the confrontations with Katherine's father and brother.

  Nicholas seemed thoughtful for a moment, as if he were weighing his words. "Please don't take this the wrong way, Thorn, but I have felt unsettled by this whole engagement, as you well know. It just seems odd Katherine would show interest in you when I'd heard she hated me and the entire Thornton family for what she'd suffered."

  "Nicholas," Christina said, throwing him a warning look.

  Thomas, however, held up his hand to her. "It is all right, Christina. I understand what he is trying to say." He turned back to his brother. "When I first encountered her again at the Beckinghams' ball, I, too, thought it odd she seemed so drawn to me. But you have to realize, Nicholas, there was such a strong connection between us. Perhaps she felt it as intensely as I."

  Nicholas nodded. "Perhaps you are right. I pray you are right, for I truly want your life to be a happy one."

  Thomas smiled at his brother warmly. "I know you do." He slapped his hands down on his legs. "I've been meaning to ask you, since we are speaking of my life, have you removed the monument yet in the family cemetery bearing my name and announcement of death?"

  Nicholas shifted in his chair and looked away. "Uh, not yet, I-"

  "He hates to think of destroying it, Thomas, because he worked hours on designing the monument and the statue that bears your likeness upon it," Christina supplied helpfully.

  Thomas was astounded by that news. "I did not know you were the one who sculpted it! I had assumed you commissioned it."

  "Well, I-"

  Christina sighed, interrupting her husband once again as she got up and walked over to the mantel above the fireplace.

  "He usually carves figurines. He created all of these."

  Thomas joined her in admiring the stunningly accurate statuettes of various animals. Each was made with careful detail.

  "Is there anything else I should know about you?" he asked teasingly as he studied one particular figurine of a tiger.

  "I am sure if you remain at Kenswick long enough, Christina will divulge about everything you ever wanted to know," Nicholas said with mock annoyance.

  Christina made a huffing sound of protest. "You make it sound as if I talk too much!"

  When Thomas exchanged a knowing look with Nicholas, the brothers suddenly found themselves pummeled with throw pillows.

  The next morning, After a restful sleep, Thomas decided to walk through the small, quaint village of Malbury before he rode back to Rosehaven. He thought he would speak with the vicar, who also happened to be Christina's father, and walked the short distance to the cottage that sat adjacent to the church.

  Reverend Wakelin seemed to be the same as when Thomas was only a boy. He was now gray and his face lined with wrinkles, but he still exuded energy and a charisma that made him seem younger than his years.

  "Mr. Thornton!" he greeted before the vicar's housekeeper could even announce he was there. He was coming from his study and rubbing his eyes, making Thomas think he'd been studying. Christina had told him her father would sometimes forget even to eat when he began digging for information for one of his sermons.

  "Reverend Wakelin, sir, it is good to see you," Thomas returned his greeting while shaking his hand. "Did I come at a bad time?"

  The vicar waved off his concern. "Of course not. In fact, I needed to take a break, so your visit is more than welcome."

  He motioned toward a side door. "Come! Let's go into the parlor."

  Thomas smiled as he followed. "Is it the one with the lovely paintings your wife painted?"

  "The very same," he answered, swinging the door open.

  There on all four walls hung some of the loveliest paintings Thomas had ever beheld. He'd remembered seeing them 'as a child but could appreciate the talent behind them more now that he was older.

  "They are quite amazing, ,sir," Thomas commented reverently as he studied one in particular. It was a self-portrait of Mrs. Wakelin holding the baby Christina.

  "Please sit and tell me of your upcoming wedding!"

  Thomas sat on the sofa and leaned toward the vicar with arms propped on his knees. He told him of the frustrations he'd experienced during his engagement, not mentioning the confrontation he'd had with Sherbrooke. He thought that was better left silent.

  "Let me ask you what I asked your brother when he came to me for Christina's hand in marriage." He adjusted his wire-framed spectacles and leaned back in his chair. "Do you love her?"

  A smile lit Thomas's face as he thought of his beautiful Katherine. "With all my heart," he answered.

  The vicar shook his finger at him. "Then that is all that matters. There is something that happens when two people vow before God to love and cherish one another, especially if they have a relationship with God and mean it with all their hearts. It bonds them together, and when there is trouble, whether it be family or outsiders, those vows will ring out in your heart reminding you that with God you can make it."

  Thomas could not wait until those vows were indeed spoken and Katherine was truly his. "I understand what you are saying, Reverend. I do trust in God -I suppose I learned to when I was hanging onto a piece of wood, praying I wouldn't drown in the ocean!" They shared a chuckle, and Thomas stood. "I just need to pray Katherine does not want to bring her companion and cousin, Theodora, to live with us!"

  A strange expression passed over the vicar's face as he stood with him. "Theodora, did you say?" When Thomas nodded curiously, he continued. "What is her surname-do you know?"

  "It is Vine."

  "Vine ... Vine ... ," the vicar muttered, scratching his head as if to jog his memory. Then his eyes widened. "Theodora Vine! You have a connection with her, I believe."

  Thomas did not think he heard the vicar right. "I beg your pardon, sir? I?"

  The vicar nodded. "Well, actually, it was with your father.

  I believe your father had called on the woman, a spinster, I believe, for a few weeks. It was two or three years After your mother passed away."

  Thomas searched his memory. "You know-I believe Nicholas had told me something similar, but we did not think it could be the same woman! What happened to the relationship?"

  "Hmm." The vicar hesitated. "I know she was younger than he, but that is not uncommon. I believe he told me she

  -- seemed a bit unstable." He nodded vigorously. "Yes, that was it. She was the type of woman who constantly demanded his attention, and when he stopped seeing her, she tried to sneak into his London town home with a knife. Your father, of course, did not press charges, but she was strongly urged by the local authorities to
keep away from the earl or else they would go public with the incident."

  Thomas frowned. "I wonder why he never told us about the knife episode."

  "You were away in school and involved in your own lives.

  He didn't want you to worry about him, I suppose."

  Leaning forward, Thomas told him, "Reverend, this woman has been Katherine's companion, and I've had the feeling she was pushing Katherine to do something. I don't know what it is, but it can't have been good," he added slowly as he hastened to figure out what to do.

  The vicar looked at him, his gray eyes deeply serious: "If I were in your shoes, I would urge Lady Katherine to be careful.

  Miss Vine is the type of woman who could make life unpleasant for anyone who crosses her."

  Thomas thought of the way Theodora seemed to try to control Katherine, and his heart pounded a bit faster. If Katherine decided to go against her cousin, whatever that might be, it could be dangerous for her.

  Thomas thanked the vicar and left. All the way back to Rosehaven, he tried to convince himself Katherine would be all right since their wedding was only two days away. After that, Thomas would make sure Theodora never bothered either of them again.

  For a day and a half, Thomas had tried to see Katherine, but it was to no avail. She was either being fitted into her gown Or involved in settling in the many relatives who had arrived at Ravenhurst Castle to attend the wedding. He, too, had guests at Rosehaven, which included North, his brother and sister-in-law, and his aunt Wilhelmina.

  It bothered him, however, that he did not get a chance to speak with Katherine about her cousin, and when he shared his concern with North, his friend assured him he was no doubt worrying over nothing. But he wasn't reassured, especially when his brother voiced his own worry about Theodora.

  And when he awoke the morning of his wedding, it was not with the anticipation he should have, but instead he felt a deep foreboding.

  His feelings were evidently transparent, for when he joined his family for breakfast, his aunt Wilhelmina picked up on his strange mood. "You are marrying into one of the most prominent families in England, and yet you seem forlorn this morning," she observed in her usual straightforward manner.

  "If you are concerned at her present social standing, Thomas, I should not worry. Your marrying her has elevated her reputation considerably."

  It was Nicholas who responded to that comment. ' Aunt Willie," he emphasized, knowing she hated being called that nickname. "None of us is concerned about social standings where marriage is concerned," he stated firmly.

  His aunt sniffed. "I daresay you aren't, as you readily proved from your match!"

  A stunned silence fell around the table, most everyone aghast that she would be so bold in her criticism. But it was not surprising she felt that way. Thomas knew when his brother had announced he would marry Christina, a common vicar's daughter, Aunt Wilhelmina had tried to tear them apart.

  "You go too far, madam!" Nicholas glared at her across the table. He started to leave when his wife grabbed his arm.

  "Oh, do sit down, Nicholas. Her words do not bother me in the least," she told him, looking from her husband to his aunt.

  "Lady Wilhelmina, if you cannot curb your comments and speak of more pleasant things when you are in our presence --” Wilhelmina gasped, but Christina kept talking --“then we shall not let you visit us when our son or daughter is born."

  "That is marvelous!" North spoke up with a grin. "Congratulations to you both!"

  "You're having a baby?" the older woman asked faintly, clutching her hand at her chest. "This means he will be heir to your title."

  Thomas shook his head, as he surmised what this meant to his society-driven aunt.

  "Yes, if it is a boy," Nicholas answered, his voice and demeanor now calmed, thanks to his wife.

  "Then we have so much to plan for!" She clapped her bejeweled hands together. 'We must have the right nanny and then governess and, Nicholas, you know you must send him to Eton because--"

  "We will deal with that as it comes, Aunt," Nicholas interrupted, then looked at Thomas. "What I am concerned about right now is Thomas. You never did tell us why you seem so upset this morning."

  Thomas sighed, pushing his food about on his plate with his fork. "It's just a feeling I have --I don't know. I suppose I'm a little out of sorts since I have not been able to talk to Katherine in two days. I really would like to warn her about her cousin."

  "Thomas, you shall have all the rest of your life to talk to her," Christina reminded him gently. "In a few hours you shall be her husband, and it will be within your power to make Sure Theodora stays well away from her."

  "You are right, Christina," Thomas said, feeling a little better.

  "I guess I do not want anything to happen to stop us from getting married."

  Nicholas stood and put his hand on his brother's shoulder.

  "Thom, trust in the love you have for one another. I may not have been completely behind this relationship in the beginning, but I do know she spoke the truth when she told me she loved you. Believe in that, little brother."

  Thomas held those words close to him -as he, with. the help of his valet, dressed in his new black suit, with its gray vest and snow white cravat tied expertly at his neck. Christina pinned a pink rose on his lapel, then they, along with Mrs.

  Sanborne and his son, left in his brother's grand carriage and traveled to the abbey where the service was to be held.

  ~

  Katherine stood in front of her mother as they stared at their images inside the oval mirror in Katherine's bedroom. She was in awe at how the stunning satin gown with its empire waist and wide pleated skirt transformed her into the bride she'd always dreamed she would be. The circlet of pink roses around her head, with the lace veil that streamed behind her, completed the look.

  "You are so beautiful, dear." Her mother sniffed and put her arm around her shoulders and gave her a loving squeeze. The other hand was dabbing madly at her moist eyes. "I shan't get through the ceremony without staining my own gown with tears-I just know it!" she declared with typical dramatic flair.

  It took great concentration for Katherine not to roll her eyes in exasperation. "Mama, I am sure your dress will hold up fine," she assured her dryly. ' And, besides, the pink color complements your features quite a lot. I daresay there will be many comments made about how young it makes you appear."

  Her mother immediately stopped crying and nudged Katherine aside a bit so she could see her own image fully.

  "Do you think so, dear?" she asked breathlessly, tugging at the neckline, then smoothing the skirt. "Yes, I do believe you are correct, Katherine! It is a very good color for me."

  Katherine hid her smile behind the bouquet of flowers she'd taken from her nightstand. "You must remember to tell your dressmaker of this so she might search for more fabric of the same hue," Katherine added, feeling a bit guilty she was teasing her mother, though the woman was oblivious.

  Lady Montbatten breathed in quickly in a small gasp, and her eyes grew wide. "I shall do that first thing Monday morning!"

  "Here you are!" Lucy cried as she came bounding into the room with her usual burst of energy. She, too, was dressed in pink with her thick blond curls tied back with a large matching ribbon. When she saw Katherine, her eyes stared at the veil and ran down the length of the gown to her sister's satin slippers. "You look so beautiful!" she whispered in admiration.

  "Oh! Why, thank you, dear!" her mother answered, making the sisters glance at each other with surprised humor. "I was just going down to write a note to my dressmaker about it."

  She started out of the room but paused to look at Lucy with a critical eye. "Do something with her hair ribbon, Katherine.

  It appears a bit disheveled!"

  "Do you think she is really that capricious, Kate?" Lucy asked with a grin when their mother was out of earshot.

  Katherine shook her head with a chuckle. "I don't know. I once thought she may only act
that way because it allows her to get away with things a lady normally wouldn't, but now I'm not so certain. She would have to be the world's greatest actress to carry off such a charade over our whole lifetime."

  Lucy walked over to her, and Katherine began straightening her ribbon. "Have you seen Theodora this morning?" she asked her little sister. If anyone knew, it would be Lucy.

  But the younger girl shook her head. "I haven't seen her since last night, but I did notice Cameron is here."

  Katherine was astonished at that news. "I thought he said he wouldn't come."

  "You know Cameron," Lucy said with a grown-up tone to her voice. "He pouts, but he loves you too much to snub you on your own wedding day."